When will tourism in SA open again?

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Hello Visitor

CapeInfo has worked hard to find ways to help tourism businesses stay afloat during these difficult times and to understand the outcomes of the pandemic better.

If you are an overseas reader, hopefully we'll be shedding some light on what could unfold in South Africa. Of course, there are many unpredictables, especially a government that issues a style board of the clothing citizens may buy under lockdown! You can be assured, the tourism industry can't wait for you to come back... we're lost without you!

Local readers are at a loss to understand what is likely to unfold in the coming months. I hope our information helps.

There is more to read at When will tourism in SA open again?

Could the Western Cape's lockdown end four months before some other provinces?
Is TAP Air Portugal the first airline to announce scheduled flights into SA with Cape Town as a new destination from November 12, 2020? Bookings are open on their website now.

Our sad news is the death of Beezus, the legendary little dog who travelled all of SA and was loved by many in the tourism industry. Our blog, Travels with Beezus, has come to an end. A colleague described him better than I can: "Beezus was honestly a dog apart from all others. Aside from being edibly cute, I've never seen an animal like him who was so content, trusting and unfazed by anything." His story is at Goodbye Beezus... my little wolf.

Soon after lockdown was introduced in SA, CapeInfo launched an accommodation survey. The results were horrifying: 21% would close within a month; 66% would be closed within 3 months and, by 6 months, 90% will close. Only 10% of the industry expected to continue operating after more than 6 months without business.

We discovered that self-catering properties are not covered by lockdown regulations. These make up about a third of all CapeInfo's 4,000 listings, so we wrote to them advising them to try to find longer-term tenants. We know that many have done that.

Business travel is now permitted under Level 3 and, for many accommodation establishments, business tourists are their lifeblood. But volumes are going to be far less than we've ever known before for a long time.

CapeInfo believes that anyone in a Covid-19 epicentre who is in a high risk group (which includes those over 60) or is able to work away from an office should consider a short lease in the countryside. There are farm and coastal cottages away from crowds where one can escape until the worst of the pandemic is over.

CapeInfo has started listing accommodation which is open for business for business travellers, essential workers and longer term stays on our home page. They are all establishments who you can contact directly by phone or email before you make a booking, to resolve any queries or reassurances you need.

Not many can afford to do this, but those who can will be helping to safeguard our tourism infrastructure and livelihoods. And gain in peace of mind.

Stay safe!

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